Flint, Michigan passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on January 22, 2024

RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF FLINT’S SUPORT FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL AND WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR:

RESOLUTION NO: 340016

WHEREAS, all life is precious and Flint's rich history and tradition of social justice organizing calls elected officials and residents alike to protect life and stand united against violence; and

WHEREAS, the City of Flint condemns the recent rise of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic rhetoric and attacks across our nation; and

WHEREAS, the City of Flint advocates for the safety, dignity, freedom, and equality of all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and

WHEREAS, we are witnessing a genocidal death toll in Gaza, with over 25,000 Palestinians killed since Oct. 7, 2023, including more than 9,600 children, along with more than one thousand people killed in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the City of Flint recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a 75-year history and affirms that, to develop a pathway to lasting peace and justice, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed; and

WHEREAS, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis, with Gaza's health system in collapse, and 1.9 million Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, starvation, and lack of water and the people of Gaza have empathized and stood in solidarity with the people of Flint's struggle to access clean water; and

WHEREAS, international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Rescue Committee, and many others call for a ceasefire in order to prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and

WHEREAS, the City of Flint joins other cities across Michigan, including Dearborn, Detroit, Hamtramck, Canton, Kalamazoo, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor, in affirming calls for a ceasefire; and

WHEREAS, sixty-one percent of voters support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza, according to a Dec. 5, 2023 Data for Progress poll, and want the U.S. to prioritize humanitarian aid.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Flint supports U.S. Congress Resolution H.R. 786 and joins other cities in calling on our Congress Members to demand: an immediate ceasefire; release of all hostages; the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, electricity, hygiene, and medical supplies to Gaza; and the respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to municipal officials in the Greater Flint Area, the offices of State Representative Cynthia Neeley, State Representative Jasper Martus, State Senator John Cherry, Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer, US Representative Dan Kildee, US Senator Debbie Stabenow, US Senator Gary Peters, US President JoeBiden, and Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to take immediate action to use their positions and influence to end violence in Palestine with a permanent ceasefire.